The architectural design process
is straight-forward. It should also be
collaborative, fun, and educational.
Although some architecture firms have renamed the phases, we still use
the terms adopted by the American Institute of Architects.

Predesign

We meet with you, our new
client, at your house or building site; discuss the project both broadly and
specifically; learn about your lifestyles, preferences, and dislikes; and then
assemble a so-called program (a listing of all you hope to accomplish in terms
of scope, features, and functionality).
We discuss budgets for both construction costs and architectural
fees. We establish a schedule. We thereafter measure and photograph your home and/or site in preparation for as-built drawings. We arrange for a survey if required. Finally, we usually conduct a brief zoning
code review (property lines and setbacks, allowable site coverage, and
easements) before beginning design.

Schematic design

This is the
discovery phase. Using the program,
survey, and as-built drawings, we consider options for satisfying your requests. Generally, we present three
good coherent sets of ideas, known as schemes.
Sometimes we accompany these plan drawings with perspective sketches
and/or models to further explain the schemes, especially in the third
dimension. For clients seeking only to
get a sense of possibilities and associated costs, schematic design can be
viewed as a feasibility study.

Design development

Schematic
design will yield one best set of ideas, which we mutually agree upon, although
it may sometimes be a hybrid of several schemes. We progressively refine the design to account
for eventual structural considerations, plan for HVAC and electrical work, review
interior and exterior appearance (elevations), consider details, and incorporate
the requirements of product and material selections. This is the time to arrange
to meet with contractors, either a builder you want to work with or contractors
we can recommend to you (based on scope, location, and perceived chemistry). It is also the time to confirm that your
project is within budget.

Construction documents

The
working drawings (in the form of three basic types: plans, sections, and
elevations) are the documents that your contractor will use to prepare a final
bid as well as to use for pulling a building permit and, of course, to build
from. They are the basis of your
contract with your builder. They look
similar to design development drawings, but with all the notes, dimensions, and
details the contractor will need to proceed.
They include information from the structural engineer’s report. They also include and coordinate your
selections including exterior and interior finishes, window and door schedules,
light fixtures, plumbing fixtures, appliances, counter and tile choices,
cabinetry, and hardware.

Bidding

This is the period
(generally three weeks) during which the contractor works with subcontractors
and suppliers to establish a final price, based on the completed construction
documents. We are available to answer
questions and provide additional details.
For competitive bids, whereby contractors (generally three) submit
itemized spreadsheets, we help evaluate their numbers for our clients. However, more frequently we often preselect a contractor during design development, resulting from interviews and preliminary
sense of eventual cost. This model is
known as a negotiated contract. In this
case, the bidding phase is thus not competitive.

Construction observation

During
this final phase, we provide many ongoing services. We respond to contractor questions; interpret
the drawings; verify that construction aligns with the design intent; arrange
for site visits; and help resolve any issues between the homeowner and
contractor that arise during construction (architects act as the owners’
advocate). We also provide
additional/updated drawings as requested; look for unforeseen opportunities; review
proposed samples (both mock-ups and materials); review shop drawings
(manufacturer and fabricator drawings of what they propose to supply); and review
contractor pay requests.